Ukraine: Armoured 'temple' train decorated in gold leaf

[John Ashworth]

The ornament express: Armoured 'temple' train decorated in gold leaf and equipped with altar, belfry and choir that's taking officials to religious celebration in Ukraine (includes photos)

By car, by train, by foot, thousands are descending on Kiev this week to mark a special anniversary.

But no ordinary train will do for Ukraine's religious leaders as they prepare to celebrate the 1,025th anniversary of the 'baptism of Kievan Rus' - the medieval kingdom that first witnessed the conversion of the region's pagans to Christianity.

A special armoured 'temple wagon' - kitted out with church fixtures, including a belfry and choir - has been laid on to transport Russian president Vladimir Putin, Russian Orthodox Church leader Patriarch Kirill and other dignitaries to mark the religious milestone...